In today's story:

Zippy, the porcupine, has a secret. It's a secret he doesn't want to share. He finally entrusts his secret to his feline friend, Ben Thompson: Zippy is being teased by a badger that lives in the field outside of the junkyard. Ben thinks they should teach that badger a lesson, but Sergeant knows how to discover the true source of the teasing and transform it with understanding and kindness.

This story is the subject of our conversation with Kim John Payne - author of "Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kid."

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader - with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Request? Email us! [email protected].

Enjoy!